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Impetigo Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of impetigo include tender sores, pimple-like bumps surrounded by red skin, and blisters that fill with pus. These sores can appear anywhere on the skin, but are more frequently found on the arms, legs, diaper area, or face.
Impetigo often begins as red, flat spots or pimple-like bumps surrounded by red skin. Although these symptoms can show up anywhere, they are frequently found on the arms, legs, the diaper area, or face around the nose and mouth.
It is normal to have multiple sores with impetigo. After a couple of days, these sores form blisters and fill with pus. They then burst and form a weepy, thick, yellow, gold, or brown crust. On occasion, the blisters may leave a crater in the skin.
With some types of impetigo, the blisters are bigger, the fluid is clear or light yellow, and the blisters do not burst as quickly. This common sign of impetigo may be tender to the touch, although the sores are not usually painful. They may also itch.
Symptoms of impetigo are typically limited to the skin, although in some cases, the lymph glands around the affected skin may become swollen.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD